Ché Araña

The song 'Ché Araña' by Cri-Cri, also known as Francisco Gabilondo Soler, is a playful and imaginative piece that transports listeners to a whimsical world where even the smallest creatures have their own vibrant social life. The lyrics describe a scene where an old, worn-out barrel, illuminated by a ray of sunlight, becomes the stage for a spider ('araña') dancing the tango to the tunes of a bandoneón, a type of concertina particularly popular in Argentina and Uruguay and closely associated with the traditional tango music.

The anthropomorphic portrayal of animals in the song is a hallmark of Cri-Cri's style, which often includes animals engaging in human-like activities. In 'Ché Araña,' a cat ('don gato') mimics the bandoneón by stretching a paper lantern, swaying its tail to the rhythm of the dance. The scene is further enriched by the arrival of various insects and bugs, described as a distinguished clientele, who join the nocturnal revelry. The repeated chorus, with its instructions for a tango step, adds to the festive atmosphere, inviting listeners to join in the dance.

The song's playful tone and vivid imagery are characteristic of Cri-Cri's work, which has delighted children and adults alike for generations. 'Ché Araña' is not just a song about dancing insects; it's a celebration of life's small joys and the magic of imagination. It encourages us to find beauty and entertainment in the most unexpected places, much like the creatures in the song find a ballroom in an old barrel.